Bingo Wins Down Under

Stuart Bingham ended a 16-year wait for his first major ranking title win by claiming the Australian Snooker Goldfield Open in Bendigo beating world number one, Mark Williams in the final.
The Essex-man won the last four frames to secure his maiden victory after the Welshman had led 8-5.

Two ‘doubles’ in the final frame decider proved decisive as the world number 17 opened up a convincing lead.

He was forced into a ‘do or die’ cross double following an excellent safety from Williams, which he duly got, creating a match-winning opportunity

A cruel in-off looked like it could be costly but two-time world champion, Williams failed to capitalise and when Bingham doubled the penultimate red to leave his opponent requiring snooker’s his name was finally etched on the trophy.

Bingham is arguably the most dedicated professional in the game. He has genuine love for the game and lives by the motto ‘Have cue, will travel’.

He loves competing and has not forgotten his roots. He continues to support tournaments that were key to his early development and that many of his fellow-competitors choose to ignore.

A disappointed Williams said “I was 8-5 up and cruising, I laid a good snooker on him. He got out of it and fluked a snooker back. And after that Stuart took control, and there was nothing I could do”.

Bingham was initially lost for words but summed the week in Australia as the ‘greatest week of my life’.

Although, that could be superseded in a few weeks time when fiancée Michelle is due to give birth to their first child.

He agreed with Williams saying, “The snooker changed it, he had me in all sorts. It just changed everything, I don’t know, my body language and my thinking. I just thought, this is my chance”.

Bingham attributed his win to those that have helped him over the years including his current coach, Stephen Feeney.

The former world amateur champion has been working with Feeney since last year and the SightRight technique seems to be paying dividends.

Feeney told Global-snooker.com, “I am so pleased for him with today’s result.

“Since we got together he has worked so hard and his improved accuracy is really showing through now in every part of his game.

“He is so dedicated and ambitious it’s great to see success now coming his way.

“There is still lots more to do but everything is going in the right direction as can be measured by his results in Australia.